As I sit here reading Acts 25:13 through Acts 26:32, I am inspired. Paul shows us just how imperfect he is but his whole purpose is clear.
Let me first set the tone of this text. Paul is arrested by Jews, but no King can find fault in him enough to kill him. So, during the following scripture noted above, Paul is brought before King Agrippa so that Fetus may have something to write as to what the charges are against Paul, and the reason for sending Paul before Caesar’s Court. King Agrippa gave Paul permission to speak for himself.
Now this is where I admire Paul greatly. Paul requested that King Agrippa listened to him patiently and considered himself fortunate to even be standing before the King as he made his defense. All this to say that Paul still showed respect and honor even during this difficult time of being persecuted. Paul then went on to explain his faults, that he used to persecute many of the Lord’s people, putting many in prison and even casted his vote against them when they were put to death! He stated that he was so obsessed with persecuting them that he hunted them down in foreign cities.
Now this is another reason I admire Paul. Paul recognized his own faults to the point that he could identify not only what he did but was able to label it for what it was. He was wrong and obsessed in his wrongdoing. But God. Paul then goes on to explain to King Agrippa how the Lord visited him on one of his journeys and said
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
Paul then asks the Lord, “Who are you?” and the Lord responded
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Then, Paul goes on to say that he was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. He preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. This is why some Jews sought to kill him.
Now this story goes on but I’m going to leave it at this. Lastly, I admire Paul for his obedience to God.
I pray that we all can reset and have a visit from God and become more aware of our sins. To be transformed and obedient to whatever it is that God has called for us to do.
No one is exempt from sin.
No one is exempt from pain and suffering.
No one is exempt from death.
So, let us dare not forfeit our purpose because of life’s mishaps. Be blessed and keep your eyes on your God and not your Mountain, as Paul did.
Sincerely,
Image by Evgeni Tcherkasski from Pixabay
